Sunday, 25 April 2010

25th: family cycle ride

Yes, we did do a ride starting at 11am. The weather was mostly kind to us.

There
were three families - us, the Lilleys (minus Catherine who was on a
Brownie centenary day) and the Butlins. The two 5-year olds were towed
by their dads, acting as an occasional 'booster engine'. We set out from
Parsley Hay and cycled about 7 miles south on the High Peak trail, back
in time for tea and before the second downpour of the afternoon.

25th: Kinder walk

Eighteen of us met a keen leader in Helen on Sunday am. We set off
from Barber Booth CP in Edale and headed for Crowden Brook on Kinder
Scout. Through a very pleasant field of lambs and small stripey ponies
(banded galloways). Onwards and upwards we strode, crossing river and
stream, many, many,times, ascending onto the plateau of Kinder itself.

On reaching the edge no stopping for views, on into the heart of
Kinder, 4m deep groughs and peat hags, to pop out near the top. On
Kinder that means serious mud, lts of it, glutinous, slippery, peaty,
spongy, mud. (Did you know eskimos have over a dozen words for snow- new
competition to find adjectives to describe Kinder mud)

Arriving at the Downfall, and around the edge path to Red Brook, no
worries, but then the weather changed, suddenly our party was joined by
others, all wondering where they were, the top of Kinder Low became a
mass of voices, zero visibility, and Helen counting 18, but where was
Father and Ranger Steve (lost in the widerness - we were at the trig
point!!!) and how come we still had 18.

It all went rather downhill from here, via Edale rocks to Jacob's
Ladder, and back to Barber Booth. Leader points redeemed with mega brill
Bradwells (adverts on a blog) most excellent ices, and toilets. We
arrived back at cars just as it started to rain.

A grand walk with all the excitement offered by Kinder Scout,
sweeties for the well behaved, and a week on the naughty step for those
who wandered into the mist

Sunday, 18 April 2010

18th: Cuckoo walk

On a very warm and sunny day 13 members tackled the
cuckoo walk. Plenty of the walkers had already looked up the walk on the
net and knew more about the history then the leader. How it was named
the cuckoo walk. So we left the baking hot streets of Marsdon and soon
we were walking very steep hills. Layers soon came off. Soon we were on
open moorland, which was dry to the recent good weather. In the
distance we could see a small moor fire starting and as the day went on,
it soon turned in to a major moor fire.

The leader kept a good pace up with a couple of stops. One of these
stops was a ice cream stop which seem to go down well.But it soon was
worked off again. We soon back down to the town by 5.00pm. Walk was
about 16+miles. After the walk a few went to the local pub for a
swift drink and to use the loos.

Sunday, 4 April 2010

04th: Easter Sunday walk

Whilst many in the group were in South wales, nine of us gathered
in Alstonfield for a sunday ramble. The weather in Stockport was wet as
we gathered, but the leader had a word on the hot line and we had a
sunny day.

Starting in Alstonfield the plan was to follow a bit of Chris and
Wendy walk into the river valley then turn right, down the popular end
of Dove Dale, passing Dove Holes, Reynards Cave, 12 apostles, Jacobs
Ladder, 400+ ramblers and 50+ dogs (ranger joke) we arrived at the third
conveniences of the walk. Navigation in the hands of the co pilot we
went uphill to luncheon overlooking Ilam, then carried on across fields
to Alstonfield, 4th PC stop, cars, change out of slightly muddy boots
and in for a pint.

Saturday, 3 April 2010

01st: Easter weekend

The group enjoyed a great Easter
weekend at Brecon. Based at the Canal Barn Bunkhouse, which offered
excellent facilities, we ate and drank well and celebrated Chris and
Wendy's 30th wedding anniversary in fine style.

Poor weather on Friday and Saturday
didn't deter us from venturing out and on the Sunday we were rewarded
with a bright, clear day. Most of the group conquered the principal
mountains in the region whilst a smaller group opted for a lower level
route. The rain-washed atmosphere ensured brilliant and colourful views
of this beautiful area.

Thanks to all who participated so enthusiastically, thus making it a thoroughly enjoyable event.

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About Me

Welcome to Stockport Walking and Outdoor Group
(affectionately known as SWOG)
Stockport Walking & Outdoor Group is a multi-activity group with individual members aged 18 to 80+ as well as a number of families.
We are group affiliated to the Peak and Northern Footpath Society. We have corporate Go Outdoors shopping card. For further details contact the membership secretary.
An annual subscription of £5 per person is collected in January each year. For families we include under 18's in the parents membership free of charge.
Please note that under 18's must be accompanied by a parent or guardian at all times.
New faces are always welcome ... just come along to any of our events